Increase in road crashes on election day



Those travelling on the roads today are urged to take extra care.

That’s because research has shown that there is an increased chance of crashes on election days.

A study in the U.S., published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, revealed an 18% increase in motor vehicle deaths on a voting day.

Reasons for the increased risk included speed, distance, distraction, emotions, unfamiliar roads, travelling to polls and the use of unfit drivers.

With this in mind, motorists are urged today to give road safety their first preference.

Meanwhile, 130 drivers have been caught speeding so far today (1pm) on National Slow Down Day.

Gardai have been out in force since 7am, and have checked over 33-thousand vehicles.

The national speed enforcement operation began at 7am today and continues for 24 hours.

Gardai say the objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

They’re reminding motorists of the 24 hour safety initiative, and that speed cameras will be on roads across the country where fatal or injury collisions are happening as a result of inappropriate speed.



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